Introduction: A decade of war? Here’s what we’re saying

It marks 10 years of war – first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq – longer than any time in U.S. history.

"What the American public doesn't know," says Marine Brig. Gen. Joseph Osterman, who oversaw Marine ground forces in Afghanistan for a year, "is that there are still a significant number of troops out there being injured and killed."

Somehow, these wars have fallen off America's radar. Yet the numbers mount:

More than 6,200 dead. More than 45,000 wounded. More than 300,000 with traumatic brain injuries. Up to 400,000 with post traumatic stress. Then there's unemployment, divorce, homelessness, suicide.

Over the next four Sundays, the Orange County Register will tell the story of the more than 2 million troops who've fought in these wars.

As we commemorate the anniversaries of Sept. 11 and Oct. 7, let us, as a nation, seek to understand the sacrifices made as a result of them.

And as a result of 10 years of war.

We are interested in your response to this report. Please join the conversation in the comments field below.

Here are some specific questions to get you started:

What responsibility does our community have to help the wounded warriors?

What remedies would you suggest?

How can business, government and the nonprofit sector join forces to provide help, support and jobs?

How can we put to use the skills and character of people who have served our country?

More info:Support the troops? Let’s talk about how | Timeline: 10 years of war | By the numbers: Iran and Afghanistan warsVideos: Former homeless veteran rebuilds life | xxx | xxx | xxxGraphics: The human cost of war | xxx | xxx | xxx